Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are rapidly transforming the way we work. As these technologies continue to advance, they are having a significant impact on the job market. Some jobs are being eliminated, while others are being transformed. In this blog post, we'll explore the impact of AI and automation on the workforce, provide guidance on how businesses and employees can navigate this rapidly changing landscape, and share some real-world examples of companies that have successfully navigated this transition.
The Impact of AI and Automation
AI and automation are transforming the job market, and the impact is far-reaching. According to a recent study by the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 85 million jobs may be displaced by a shift in the division of labor between humans and machines, while 97 million new roles may emerge that are more adapted to the new division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms. This means that employees need to be prepared to adapt to new roles and acquire new skills to stay relevant in the workforce.
Fears of AI and Automation
While AI and automation offer many benefits, there are also fears and risks associated with their widespread adoption. For example, in Cambodia as a small country receiving impact from abroad, the manufacturing sector has received heavy foreign investment, along with technology and human labor, which has led to concerns about the impact of automation on the workforce. The question is to what extent can we maximize values from AI and leverage the opportunities to further achieve societal and economic goals for all businesses and communities?
Job Roles Shift
As the job market continues to evolve, some roles will be eliminated, while others will be created. Here are five potential job roles that may be created and five that may be eliminated:
Five potential job roles that may be created:
Data Privacy Officer: With the increasing importance of data privacy and security, the role of a data privacy officer is becoming increasingly important. They are responsible for ensuring that an organization is compliant with data protection regulations and that sensitive data is handled securely.
AI Ethicist: With the increasing adoption of AI, there is a growing need for professionals who can ensure that AI is developed and used ethically. An AI ethicist is responsible for considering the ethical implications of AI and making recommendations to ensure that AI is developed and used in a responsible manner.
Augmented Reality Designer: Augmented reality (AR) is becoming increasingly popular, and the role of an AR designer is becoming more important. AR designers are responsible for creating immersive and engaging AR experiences that can be used in areas such as gaming, education, and retail.
Cybersecurity Specialist: With the increasing threat of cyber attacks, cybersecurity specialists are becoming more important in organizations. They are responsible for ensuring that an organization's sensitive data and systems are secure and protected from cyber threats.
Virtual Event Coordinator: With the rise of remote work and virtual events, the role of a virtual event coordinator is becoming increasingly important. They are responsible for planning and executing virtual events, such as webinars, conferences, and trade shows, and ensuring that they are engaging and effective.
Five potential job roles that may be eliminated:
Cashier: With the rise of self-checkout and mobile payments, the role of the cashier may be phased out in many retail environments. However, there may still be a demand for cashiers in some settings, such as grocery stores, where customers may prefer the human touch of a friendly cashier.
Bank Teller: As online banking and mobile apps become more popular, the job of the bank teller may be endangered. But fear not, because there may still be a need for bank tellers in some settings, such as managing cash, handling complex transactions, and providing top-notch customer service.
Telemarketer: With digital marketing channels on the rise, the role of the telemarketer may be on the way out. However, there may still be a demand for telemarketers in some settings, such as for high-touch sales or for providing exceptional customer service.
Data Entry Clerk: As automation and AI-powered solutions become more prevalent, the job of data entry clerk may be at risk. Nevertheless, there may still be a need for data entry clerks in some settings, such as for managing complex data or for entering unstructured data.
Travel Agent: With online travel booking platforms gaining popularity, the role of the travel agent may be threatened. But don't despair, as there may still be a demand for travel agents in some settings, such as managing high-touch or complex travel arrangements.
So it means for you? And what can we do about it?
The Skills and Mindset of the Workforce of Tomorrow
To succeed in the workforce of tomorrow, employees need to develop a new set of skills and mindset. Technical skills like data analysis, programming, and automation will become increasingly important, as will soft skills like critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Employees will also need to embrace a growth mindset, be adaptable, and comfortable with change. Businesses should prioritize upskilling and reskilling their employees to ensure they have the skills and mindset needed to succeed in the workforce of tomorrow. Let's see more details from a recent Jobs Report.
Skills of the Future for 2027
According to the World Economic Forum in the 2023 Future of Jobs Report, there are some essential skills that businesses and individuals are encouraged to prioritise in the context of ongoing technological transformation. The top three are analytical, creative, AI and big data skills along with leadership and other soft skills for life and work below.
Some Tips for You
To navigate the impact of AI and automation, businesses and employees should focus on these best practices:
Upskilling and reskilling: Prioritize training and development not only in technological literacy as a foundation to equip employees with the basic skills needed to succeed in the workforce of tomorrow but also in more advanced skills, such as in technical areas of big data and AI, as well as user experience design.
Embrace a growth mindset: Encourage employees to embrace a growth mindset, be adaptable, and comfortable with change.
Focus on soft skills: While technical skills are important, soft skills like critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence will become increasingly valuable, just like we see above.
Taking a Look at Some Case Studies
Let's take a look at a real-world example of companies that have successfully navigated the impact of AI and automation:
Blue River Technology: Blue River Technology, a California-based start-up, has successfully navigated the impact of AI and automation by developing smart farming solutions. Their technology uses AI and machine learning to identify and target individual plants, allowing farmers to optimize crop yields and reduce waste.
PwC: PwC has launched a program called "Digital Fitness" to help employees develop the technical and soft skills needed to succeed in a digital-first world.
IBM: IBM has launched an initiative called "New Collar Jobs" to help fill the growing demand for employees with technical skills like data analysis and cybersecurity, helping them earn certifications and encourage life-long learnings.
In conclusion, the impact of AI and automation on the workforce is significant and far-reaching, and businesses and employees need to be prepared to adapt to stay relevant. To navigate this rapidly changing landscape, businesses and employees should prioritize upskilling and reskilling, embrace a growth mindset, and focus on developing the technical and soft skills needed to succeed in the workforce of tomorrow. By doing so, we can ensure that the workforce of tomorrow is equipped to thrive in a digital-first world.
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